Five Michael Jordan Basketball Insert Cards Valued Under $50

For collectors on a budget, it can sometimes be difficult to collect the most popular players. Fortunately, card companies have always kept all types of collectors in mind over the years, so even the most collected player of them all still has cards that fit any budget – and we’re not talking about mass-produced, junk wax-era base cards. What follows is a list of five Michael Jordan basketball inserts valued from $25 to $50, according to the Beckett Online Price Guide’s high value for raw examples.

1992-93 Topps Gold #141

Topps left the basketball card industry after the 1981-82 season, but after companies like Fleer, Hoops, and SkyBox revitalized interest in basketball cards in the late 1980s and early ’90s, Topps re-joined the fray in 1992. That same year, Topps had introduced the first pack-pulled parallel in its baseball set, and Topps Gold also made the cut in basketball that year. Jordan helps lead the charge in value, with four cards in the base set all listed for $30.

• Shop for Jordan’s 1992-93 Topps Gold parallel on eBay

1995-96 Finest Mystery Finest #M1

After Topps introduced its chrome-etched Finest brand to the masses in 1993, it didn’t take collectors long to fall in love with Chrome. Knowing how popular the concept was, Topps continued finding ways to keep the Finest brand fresh. In 1995, Mystery Finest cards made their debut in basketball, football, and hockey. Topps covered the front of each card with a black film so collectors wouldn’t know if they pulled a base insert or Refractor unless they peeled it off. While centering can be a challenge, Jordan’s base insert books at $50.

• Shop for Jordan’s 1995-96 Mystery Finest insert on eBay

1997-98 UD3 Awesome Action #A1

UD3 was a short-lived brand, but the cards have stood the test of time. There weren’t a lot of extras when it came to the product, and what were there were often very tough to find. An exception, however, were the Awesome Action inserts, which fell 1:11 packs or about twice per box. The cards feature a spotlight on 20 different players, with Jordan kicking off the checklist in the #1 slot with an OPG value of $50. Jordan makes a second “appearance” in the set as the defender on Alonzo Mourning’s card.

• Shop for Jordan’s 1997-98 UD3 Awesome Action insert on eBay

1998-99 Stadium Club Statliners #S2

Die-cut inserts from the late 1990s often carry premium values, but collectors can add cards from the 1998-99 Stadium Club Statliners insert without breaking the bank. That includes Jordan’s card, which has a $40 valuation in the OPG. The cards have a non-traditional die-cut across the top, with multiple sections cut out in a variety of shapes. Jordan is pictured at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks while wearing the classic red Bulls jersey, making this a solid addition for Jordan collectors.

• Shop for Jordan’s 1998-99 Statliners insert on eBay

1998-99 Topps Chrome Champion Spirit #CS1

The 1998-99 Topps Chrome Champion Spirit insert was dedicated exclusively to players who won a championship in the NBA or during their college career. With only seven players on the checklist, finding a specific player had pack odds of only 1:84 (or just under 1:4 boxes). A much stiffer challenge for collectors — finding an affordable Jordan Chrome insert. Luckily, this insert fits the bill, checking in at only $40 in the OPG.

• Shop for Jordan’s 1998-99 Champion Spirit insert on eBay

Additional reading:

• Michael Jordan Cards Valued Under $10
• Michael Jordan Inserts Valued Under $25

Protect Your Collection With:

• Penny Sleeves — Amazon | eBay | Fanatics
• Top Loaders — Amazon | eBay | Fanatics
• Binders — Amazon | eBay
• 9-Pocket Card Pages — Amazon | eBay

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